Whitening Boat Shoes: Removing Yellow Soles

Boat shoes, like any other shoe, are susceptible to yellowing soles. This phenomenon is caused by oxidation, which occurs when the rubber soles of shoes are exposed to environmental factors such as air, light, heat, and humidity. While it may seem like an eyesore, there are several methods to restore your boat shoes' soles to their original white colour. One common household method involves creating a paste from baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, which is then applied to the soles with an old toothbrush. The shoes are then left to dry in direct sunlight. Alternatively, a mixture of bleach and water can be used to scrub the soles. For those seeking a quicker solution, whitening toothpaste can be applied to the soles and scrubbed off with a damp cloth. While yellowing soles may seem like an inevitable part of owning boat shoes, it can be easily remedied with these simple techniques.

Bleach and water

To whiten the yellow soles of boat shoes with bleach and water, follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Bleach and Water Solution

Mix equal parts of bleach and water in a small bowl. For example, you can use about three tablespoons of bleach with three tablespoons of water.

Step 2: Apply the Solution to the Shoe Sole

Dip an old toothbrush or a soft-bristled brush into the bleach and water solution. Use this brush to scrub the sole of your shoe, focusing on the yellowed areas.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the shoe sole with running water. If any yellow marks remain, repeat the process until the sole is white again. Finally, allow the shoes to air dry.

Additional Tips:

• Always test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe before applying them more broadly.
• Avoid using bleach on certain materials, such as leather, as it can cause damage.
• For more severe discolouration, you may need to use a stronger bleach solution or repeat the process multiple times.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

To whiten the yellow soles of boat shoes using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:

Step 1: Create the Cleaning Solution

In a small non-metal bowl, mix one tablespoon of baking soda, half a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, and half a tablespoon of warm water. Stir the ingredients until they form a paste. If you don't have hydrogen peroxide, you can skip it and make a paste with just baking soda and water.

Step 2: Apply the Paste to the Shoe Sole

Using an old toothbrush, dip it into the baking soda paste and apply it directly to the yellowed areas of the shoe sole. Gently rub the paste over the stains, working it into the sole in a circular motion.

Step 3: Let the Solution Sit

Place your shoes with the soles facing upwards in direct sunlight and leave them to soak for about 30 minutes. The UV rays from the sun will help improve the whitening process.

Step 4: Rinse and Check Results

After the solution has had time to work, rinse the paste off the shoe sole using clean water. You can use a wet rag or a clean sponge for this step. Check the results to see if the soles have regained their whiteness.

Step 5: Repeat if Necessary

If there are still some stubborn yellow marks on the soles, simply repeat the above steps until the desired level of whiteness is achieved. For more stubborn stains, you may need to use the peroxide-baking soda solution, as it will be slightly more effective.

Toothpaste

Firstly, ensure that your shoes are free from loose dirt. Use a brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the soles. This will help ensure that the toothpaste can work directly on the discoloured areas.

Next, apply a generous amount of white-coloured toothpaste to the affected areas of the soles. Avoid using coloured toothpaste, as it may stain your shoes. With a toothbrush, gently scrub the areas where you have applied the toothpaste. You can use an old toothbrush for this purpose.

After scrubbing, use a damp cloth to wipe off the toothpaste. Be sure to remove all the toothpaste residue. Finally, allow your shoes to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

If the soles are still yellow, you can repeat the process until you achieve the desired result. This method is safe and effective for removing yellow stains from the soles of boat shoes.

White vinegar and baking soda

To whiten the yellow soles of boat shoes using white vinegar and baking soda, follow these steps:

Preparation:

First, remove the laces from your shoes and set them aside. It is best to wash your laces separately.

Mix the Cleaning Solution:

In a small bowl, combine equal parts of hot water, white vinegar, and baking soda. You will need one tablespoon of each ingredient. Mix until a consistent paste forms. You can also add one teaspoon of laundry detergent to enhance the cleaning solution.

Apply the Paste:

Using an old toothbrush, gently apply the paste to the yellowed areas of the sole. Be sure to cover all the affected areas thoroughly.

Let It Sit:

Let the paste sit on the soles for about half an hour to one hour. The longer you let it sit, the more effective it will be at removing the stains.

Rinse and Dry:

After the paste has done its work, rinse the soles under cold, running water. Then, pat the soles dry with a towel and leave them in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight as this can damage the shoes further.

Repeat if Necessary:

If there are still some stubborn yellow marks, simply repeat the above steps until the soles are white again.

Additional Tips:

• It is important to test any cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe before applying them more broadly.
• Avoid putting your shoes in the dryer as the heat can cause them to warp or shrink.
• To prevent yellowing, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or heat, and store your shoes in a cool, dry place.

Magic Eraser

If you're looking to whiten the soles of your boat shoes, you may want to try using a Magic Eraser. Magic Erasers are known for their effectiveness in cleaning tough marks, stuck-on dirt, and scuffs from sneakers. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a Magic Eraser to whiten your boat shoe soles:

Step 1: Wet the Magic Eraser

Firstly, wet your Magic Eraser to activate the micro-scrubbers inside. You can use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Durable, which is specifically designed for cleaning sneakers and is 50% stronger than the original Magic Eraser. Squeeze out any excess water before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Swipe Away the Dirt

Use the damp Magic Eraser to tackle the yellowed areas on the soles of your boat shoes. Gently swipe the Magic Eraser across the desired areas, focusing on the soles and any other discoloured parts. You should start to see the yellowing disappear.

Step 3: Repeat as Needed

If there are still signs of yellowing on your boat shoe soles, simply repeat the above steps until you achieve your desired level of whiteness. Be sure to test a small area with light pressure before each use and always follow the safety instructions provided with the product.

Other Methods to Try

In addition to using a Magic Eraser, there are a few other methods you can try to whiten the soles of your boat shoes:

• Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide: Create a paste using equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply the paste to the yellowed areas of the sole using an old toothbrush. Place the shoes sole-side up in direct sunlight and leave them to soak. Rinse the paste off and repeat if necessary.
• Bleach and Water: Mix equal parts bleach and water in a small bowl. Dip an old toothbrush into the mixture and use it to scrub the yellowed areas of the sole. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
• Toothpaste: Using an old toothbrush, rub toothpaste over the yellowed areas of the sole. Add a sprinkle of water and use a clean, damp cloth to thoroughly clean the entire sole. Repeat the process if there are still signs of yellowing.

Frequently asked questions